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Though omega-3 fatty acids are being applied to a variety of disease states, arguably, the most prominent and extensively investigated is in the area of cardiovascular illness.
Such research began in the early 1970s with the discovery of Northern European Eskimos, whose food intake was limited primarily to omega-3 fatty acid-rich fatty animal meats and fish.
It was further found that they have substantially lower levels of blood lipids and lower rates of heart disease than their European counterparts, who consumed a less fatty, more “balanced” diet.
There is a well-established connection between fish oil and heart health. Studies have shown that fish oil, containing Omega 3 fatty acids, provides various heart health benefits.
Let’s look into some of the significant health benefits of fish oil on the heart.
Fish oil and Heart Health Connection
Reduces incidence of cardiovascular disease
Virtually all experts acknowledged the positive relationship between fish oil with Omega 3s and heart health.
In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a statement acknowledging the role that Omega-3 fatty acids play in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease.
One longer-term study examined that patients consuming a relatively high level of EPA and DHA in their diet have a lower coronary heart disease mortality risk.
In epidemiological and clinical trials, Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce CVD incidence.
Moreover, Large-scale epidemiological studies revealed that individuals at the risk of CHD could benefit from consuming plant- and marine-derived omega-3 fatty acids.
Further, studies suggest that EPA+DHA supplementation ranging from 0.5 to 1.8 g/d can significantly reduce subsequent cardiac arrest and all-cause mortality.
One recent study examined that men consumed a reasonably high level of EPA and DHA in their diet and experienced a reduction in risk of acute heart attacks compared to men who consumed very little EPA and DHA.
Scientific research observed that Eskimos who ate large amounts of fatty fish and whale and seal meat, including blubber — in other words, a diet very high in fats and cholesterol — had almost no heart disease.
The prestigious American Heart Association summarized the heart health benefits of Omega 3s: “Omega 3 fatty acids benefit the heart of healthy people, and those at high risk of – or who have – cardiovascular disease.”
Improves cardiac mortality, abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias
According to research studies, patients taking fish oil supplements regularly have shown a 15% risk reduction in the primary endpoint.
Moreover, it was found that fish oil supplements can help in a 20% reduction in total mortality and a 45% reduction in the risk of sudden cardiac death.
Another research study found that fish oil supplements were linked to lower all-cause mortality risk by 13%, a CVD mortality risk by16%, and a CVD events risk by 7%.
Research data suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can inhibit malignant arrhythmias and reduce sudden death risk, especially in the setting of myocardial ischemia.
Moreover, preliminary research evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of atrial fibrillation in various circumstances, including post coronary bypass grafting and myocardial infarction.
A recent large randomized controlled trial found that fish oil supplementation reduced the risk of death and hospitalization in a population of congestive heart failure patients, possibly through inhibiting ventricular arrhythmias.
Improves HDL cholesterol and reduces LDL cholesterol, Triglycerides
Omega-3 fatty acids are an established and accepted treatment for the severe form of this lipid derangement.
Omega 3 fish oil has been shown to reduce other risk factors, such as lowering serum triglyceride levels and total cholesterol levels, which are both heart attack risk factors.
A study showed that postmenopausal women could reduce their risk of heart attack by 27% when taking omega-3 fish oil.
Further, randomized controlled studies have demonstrated that regular intake of fish oil reduces the production of triglycerides.
Other studies suggest that very long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA are among the most viable treatment options for elevated triglycerides levels.
Decreases blood pressure
Studies suggest that Omega 3 may aid in the lowering of blood pressure by making blood flow more freely and preventing thrombosis.
EPA and DHA may help lower the viscosity of the blood, allowing it to flow through the veins with limited possibility of clumping and reducing the body’s blood pressure.
Another study of blood pressure and omega-3 fish oil determined that supplementation with EPA and DHA helped individuals with hypertension. Blood pressure dropped by 6 points during the experiment.
Prevents and treats atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, occurs when blood vessels become narrow due to fat buildup.
The fat in your diet collects on your artery walls, becomes hardened, and continues to collect. As the fat builds up, it hardens and is known as ‘plaque.’
As your blood vessels narrow, it can have serious side effects on your body, causing several severe conditions.
If the blood vessels are going to your heart narrow due to fat, it causes chest pain, shortness of breath, and anxiety.
When the vessels going to the brain are affected, you may have a stroke, blindness, or paralysis.
If the vessels supplying blood to the legs are affected, you may develop PAD or Peripheral Vascular Disease-causing pain in your legs when walking.
We want to avoid these serious conditions at all costs. Changes you can make in your lifestyle are not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
In addition to these healthy habits, researchers now believe that eating a diet high in omega-3 can improve your chances of not developing early atherosclerosis.
In one omega-3 study, researchers noted positive results when testing omega-3 intake with reduced atherosclerosis risks.
Fish Oil Supplements Dosage for Heart Disease
Many scientific researchers recommend that healthy people can consume 500 milligrams daily of EPA plus DHA.
But, people with known heart disease or heart failure should take fish oil supplements nearly twice that amount (at least 800 to 1,000 milligrams daily).
It is recommended to consult your doctor before taking omega-3 fish oil supplements for heart disease.
Fish oil supplements for Heart Disease
You can get the cardiac health benefits of fish oil by eating fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel at least twice a week.
However, not everyone likes fish or has access to a safe and inexpensive supply of fish. Some people even have fish allergies.
Even if you enjoy eating fish and don’t have a fish allergy, there are several potential problems with getting the Omega 3s you need by eating fish.
The maximum benefits are achieved by getting proper Omega 3s in your bloodstream and maintaining that level.
In addition, you’ve probably heard about the contaminants such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins that have been found in some fish. These pollutants are potentially hazardous, especially for pregnant and nursing women.
Given this risk, and to ensure that you get a regular and controlled dose daily, the best way to get the heart health benefits of fish oil is to take a molecularly distilled fish oil that is pure and completely free of all contaminates.
There are four international standards for fish oil purity, the International Fish Oil Standards (IFOS), the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN) standards, the European Pharmacopoeia standards, and the Norwegian Medicinal Standard.
Conclusion
The result is that fish oil with Omega 3s reduces many of the risk factors for heart disease and improves the symptoms of those who suffer from cardiac disease. That’s one of the primary reasons why so many people take fish oil.
